This podcast blog will highlight news and information from and about the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
Results are in from the most rigorous evaluation to date of Pell-funded college programs in prison. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Tahamont (University of Maryland) joins Pracademically Speaking to unpack findings from Pennsylvania’s randomized controlled trial of Second Chance Pell—and what the evidence really says about recidivism, employment, and the limits of impact at scale.
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In this episode, Dr. Bucklen discusses what it means for a program, policy, or practice in corrections to be “evidence-based.” This label gets applied frequently to all sorts of programs, policies, and practices in corrections but less examined is the strength and quality of the evidence. Dr. Bucklen also discusses cost-benefit analysis, and why effectiveness alone isn’t the finish line. This episode lays out practical advice for corrections leaders and policymakers to become better consumers of the research and science in order to truly become evidence-based.
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In this episode, we discuss a recently completed evaluation of the Personal Growth program for technical parole violators. The guest on the show is Dr. Amber Petkus, joint post-doctoral fellow with Penn State University and the PA Department of Corrections. We also talk with Dr. Petkus about her experience as a post-doc at the PA DOC. She reflects on her time with us as she prepares to move on.
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Visiting incarcerated loved ones can be an intimidating process—but it doesn’t have to be! The key to a successful visit is to be prepared and know what to expect.
In this episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, SCI Camp Hill Sgt. Lopez breaks down the visiting experience for visitors, including how to set up a visit, what to bring, what to wear, how to visit with kids, and so much more.
For full details on visiting one of our facilities, visit our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/inmate-visitation
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In this episode we revisit three previously conducted evaluations by the PA Department of Corrections: 1) Therapeutic Communities (TCs); 2) the SIP-HOPE pilot program; and 3) a residential relocation pilot program. These evaluations highlight the use of multiple rigorous evaluation methodologies (randomized controlled trial, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching) for attempting to understand the real causal impact of these initiatives/programs.
On this episode you’ll learn more about these three initiatives/programs, the findings from the evaluations, and what the implications are for policy and practice.
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